Malawi vs Uganda 5th Play Off 2025: Preview, Analysis, Prediction

Malawi vs Uganda in the 5th Place Play-off of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2025.

While qualification hopes are over, there is still plenty to play for: pride, ranking points, and a chance for fringe players to make a statement before heading home.

This contest promises a spirited fight between two sides eager to end their campaign on a high.

Also read- Zimbabwe vs Kenya 2nd Semi Final 2025: Preview, Analysis, Prediction

Malawi vs Uganda Match Details: Date, Time, Venue

• Date: Thursday, 2 October 2025
• Time: 5:20 PM IST (11:50 GMT; 1:50 PM local time in Harare)
• Venue: Takashinga Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe

Venue & Pitch Snapshot

Takashinga has hosted multiple matches this week, often producing new-ball movement early and grip for spinners later.

With an afternoon start, run-scoring can be brisk in the power play but tends to slow if teams lose early wickets.

A par first-innings total around the mid-140s looks competitive; anything above 155 should test the chasing side if the pitch wears.

Team Form Guide (Recent Tournament Notes)

• Malawi: Came off a heavy defeat to Namibia, bowled out for just 71. Gift Kansonkho was the lone bright spot with a steady 31. All-rounder Sami Sohail remains their key contributor with both bat and ball.
• Uganda: Showed flashes of discipline against Zimbabwe earlier in the week but lacked finishing power. Their core includes Riazat Ali Shah, Dinesh Nakrani, Alpesh Ramjani, and the pace of Juma Miyagi.

Malawi vs Uganda: Head-to-Head (T20I) History

These teams have met twice in official men’s T20Is in recent years, with Uganda winning both:

• October 2021 (Kigali): Uganda 101/0 chased Malawi 98/7 — win by 10 wickets.
• December 2023 (Benoni): Uganda 92/3 chased Malawi 91/5 — win by 7 wickets.

Uganda clearly has the historical edge, but placement matches often spring surprises.

Tactical Analysis

Malawi – What must click

• Powerplay stability: Cluster wickets have been Malawi’s undoing. Aaftab Limdawala and Sami Sohail need to rotate the strike early.
• Middle-over anchors: Gift Kansonkho offers composure; pairing him with Moazzam Baig can steady overs 7–14.
• Bowling plans: Daniel Jakiel’s pace and Sohail’s seam bowling must target Uganda’s middle order. Holding one Jakiel over for the 17th or 19th could be decisive.

Uganda – What must click

• All-round engine room: Riazat Ali Shah and Dinesh Nakrani provide acceleration and seam overs. If one of them bats deep, Uganda usually posts above-par scores.
• Spin squeeze: Alpesh Ramjani and Henry Ssenyondo can control overs 7–12 on a slowing surface.
• New-ball intent: Cyrus Kakuru and the top order need to score at 7+ in the powerplay to keep Malawi under pressure.

Malawi vs Uganda: Key Player Match-ups

• Sami Sohail vs Uganda’s middle order: Malawi’s main all-rounder must deliver both with the ball and the bat.
• Ramjani/Ssenyondo vs Malawi’s middle: Uganda’s spinners can choke Malawi’s batting between overs 7–14.
• Jakiel vs Uganda finishers: His hard lengths late on are crucial if Uganda look to launch in the death overs.

Probable XIs

Malawi (Probable)

Aaftab Limdawala, Sami Sohail, Gift Kansonkho, Moazzam Baig, Salim Nihute (wk), Kazim Somani, Suhail Vayani, Mike Choamba, Daniel Jakiel, Bright Balala, Kelvin Thuchila

Uganda (Probable)

Cyrus Kakuru (wk), Ronak Patel / Simon Ssesazi, Riazat Ali Shah, Dinesh Nakrani, Alpesh Ramjani, Sumeet Verma, Brian Masaba / Frank Nsubuga, Juma Miyagi, Cosmas Kyewuta, Henry Ssenyondo, Joseph Baguma

Statistical Nuggets

• Uganda has won both documented T20Is against Malawi (by 10 wickets in 2021 and 7 wickets in 2023).
• Sami Sohail has been Malawi’s most consistent performer with bat and ball.
• Uganda’s strength lies in its all-round depth, with Nakrani, Riazat, and Ramjani all capable of turning the game.

Malawi vs Uganda: Prediction

Uganda start as favourites given their stronger balance and spin depth, along with a flawless head-to-head record against Malawi.

If Malawi bat first and post 150+, their seamers can make it a contest. Otherwise, Uganda’s experience and balance give them about a 60–40 edge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)